Arizona State University ROTC Warrior Spirit · Arizona State University ROTC ... LDAC is the Army...

Warrior Spirit October 2009 Volume 1I, Issue 1

Arizona State University ROTC

Sun Devils Excel at Warrior Forge 2009

Inside This Issue

Cadre Profiles 2-3

The Year of the

NCO 6-7

Your New MS IV

Leadership 8

C/MAJ Henderson’s squad during their patrolling lanes at Ft. Lewis, WA.. Photo

courtesy of CDT Henderson.

Leadership Development and

Assessment Course, otherwise

referred to as LDAC, is a month

long course that every ROTC cadet

preparing to commission as a 2LT in

the U.S. Army must attend. Located at Fort Lewis, Washing-ton, LDAC, aka Warrior Forge, is a

mandatory training event all MSIIIs

must attend. Cadets usually attend

LDAC during the summer between

their junior and senior year, and, as

its name implies, LDAC evaluates

cadets on their leadership perform-

ance and potential. The majority of the events at

LDAC are for familiarization and

confidence building purposes, as

well as evaluations. However, there

are certain events you must pass or

risk dismissal. The first evaluated event while at

LDAC is the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which includes push-

ups, sit-ups, and the 2-mile run.

Another GO/NO-GO event is day

and night land navigation. During

day and night land navigation cadets

are expected to find 5 of 8 points

during the day, 3 of 5 points at

night, and pass a written exam. Warrior Forge is a culmination of

all the training that cadets have

received at their respective schools,

all wrapped into one 28 day training

event. Training at LDAC is split

between a garrison environment

and, as of last year, a Tactical Train-

ing Base (TTB). Some of the training

conducted are squad situation train-

ing exercises (STX), Patrolling lanes,

field leader’s reaction course

(FLRC), and the chemical, biologi-

cal ,radiological, and nuclear orien-

tation course (CBRN). Cadets

also conduct US Weapons famili-

arization, First-Aid training, cul-

tural awareness training, and both

an obstacle and water confidence

course. The cadets attending

Warrior Forge will be evaluated

throughout training based on

their application of the Army’s

leadership dimensions and the

Army values. All cadets that attend LDAC

will rotate through ,and be evalu-

ated in, several different leader-

ship roles. Those positions in-

clude squad leader (SL), platoon

sergeant (PSG), platoon leader

(PL), first sergeant (1SG), and

company commander (CO). Ca-

dets can receive several different

assessments based on their lead-

ership performance: E (Exceeds

the Standards), S (Satisfies the

Standards), and N (Needs Im-

provement). ―Its always better to make mis-

takes here, now I’ve heard of

cadets that try to correct them-

selves while they’re up at camp,

and they usually get lower marks

for it because they stumble

along,‖ said Cadet Battalion

Commander Lance Bailey.

―That’s why we train here so

you can get it right by the time

you go off to LDAC.‖ LDAC is an important mile-

stone in a cadet’s career; it is

something you must succeed at

if you want to commission and

your performance there can also

have a major effect on the

branch you pick as well, among

other factors. ―My advice for anyone that is

going to LDAC is you want to

be as vocal as possible from the

moment you get there‖ Said

Cadet Bailey. ―They’ll notice you

right away if you know cadences,

and refer you for leadership

positions more often if you can

take charge and lead the forma-

tion during pt.‖

BY: John Pedraza

MSII

Volume 1I, Issue 1

Name: Major James Barklay (MS 1

Cadre)

Branch: Artillery

Hobbies: running, biking, and reading

Why did you become a ROTC in-

structor? After I retired I wanted the opportunity to

pass along the lessons I had learned to the

future leaders of the Army.

What are your goals for the Battal-

ion? Continue to meet the commission mission

goal and try to get cadets high on the OML

(order of merit list)

Comments: I think it’s going to be a good

year. This is the largest class I have seen. I

just want to enjoy it and I look forward to

what this next group brings in.

Name: Master Sergeant Myles Stover

(MS 3 Cadre)

MOS: Infantry Hobbies: Playing guitar, running, and hik-

ing

Why did you become a ROTC in-

structor? I like to teach. And my biggest complaint in

the Army was the officers so I wanted the

chance to have some effect and try and

change it.


ion? I want the cadets to be more proactive. I

want them to go out and find leadership

opportunities instead of always waiting on

us.

Comments: I think with our new Battalion

Commander we will see some good

changes both for the cadre and cadets. It

should be a good 3 years with Colonel …..

and I think we are doing well so far.

Name: Major David McAleer

(Assistant Enrollment Officer)

Branch: Field Artillery

Hobbies: running, biking, and reading

Why did you come to ASU ROTC?

I love Arizona and the job was available.


ion? Same as any place I go. I want to see im-

provement and I want to help these future

Lieutenants get ready for this crazy crazy

world.

Comments: Excited to work here. After

my 20 years in the Army I hope to share

my experience with cadets so they can

learn.

Cadre Profiles

Volume 1I, Issue 1

Name: Captain Elias Otoshi (MS 2

Cadre)

Branch: Armor

Hobbies: Golf, fly fishing, and video games.

Why did you become a ROTC instructor?

I wanted to make a difference on the next

generation of Lieutenants. I had a bad

ROTC Lieutenant as a Troop Commander

and several after that so when the job was

offered I thought I could make more of a

difference here then if I would have been

become a General’s Aid.

What are your goals for the Battalion?

Overall I want to commission worthwhile

officers so in the future someone can say

―hey you sent off a good group of Lieuten-

ants.‖ And I want to continue to train

them for their future as officers and make

then realize that this is a job about service

to your country. I want to make them

want that.

Name: Lieutenant Colonel Craig Best

(MS 4 Cadre)

Branch: Military Police

Hobbies: Martial Arts, weight lifting, and

motorcycling

Why did you become a ROTC instructor?

I made the decision when I was in Iraq. I

saw some issues with young officers and

wanted to have an impact on them based

on my experience. And after 5 years of

being on active duty I wanted to come

here to spend some time with my son.

What are your goals for the Battalion?

My goals are in accordance with PMS. I

want to accomplish these set goals in a

timely fashion. That includes getting every

MS 4 to commission and graduate on time

and train the MS 3’s to successfully com-

plete LDAC. Bottom line up front train

good strong officers for the future.

Cadre Profiles

More Cadre Profiles to come in next month’s issue of

Warrior Spirit!

Volume 1I, Issue 1

Warrior Forge 2009

Volume 1I, Issue 1

Senior Army leaders issued

an operations order Jan. 7

officially implementing the Year

of the NCO, a multifaceted

initiative for enhancing and

acknowledging NCO contribu-

tions to the Army. In addition to involving the

redesign of several institutions

and programs, the Year of the

NCO will prompt some major

policy changes, such as author-

izing the wear of NCO rank

insignia on the beret and the

expansion of civilian education

opportunities.

At a joint press conference

Jan. 5 at Fort Bliss, Texas,

Army Secretary Pete Geren,

Chief of Staff Gen. George

Casey and Sgt. Maj. of the

Army Kenneth Preston said

they wanted to inform the

country, Congress and young

people about NCOs, and the

career opportunities available

to those who join the Army. In a letter announcing the

Year of the NCO, the leaders

said, ―NCOs are the keepers

of our standards, from the

recruiting station to basic

training, to combat zones,

from civil affairs to medicine,

to logistics, natural disaster

assistance, to graveside atten-

dance at Arlington —

whether active, Guard or

Reserve, our NCOs take the

lead.‖ The order (OPORD 08-12-

161200) and annexes to-

gether total nearly 50 pages. The document assigns spe-

cific tasks to field commands

and staff agencies throughout

the force in support of the

program’s four major objec-

tives: • Enhance the education of

the NCO Corps through

several initiatives, including

the launch of the online Army

Career Tracker system; the

transformation of the NCO

Education System from the

Warrior Leader Course to

the Sergeants Major Course;

an increase in the number of

schools participating in the

Servicemembers Opportunity

Colleges-Army Degree pro-gram; and the establishment

of structured and guided self-

development programs. • Enhance physical and mental

fitness by implementing a

health-screening program in

NCO schools, much like that

conducted at the Army War

College for senior officers,

and by establishing master

fitness and mental health

courses as part of the struc-

tured self-development sys-

tem. • Enhance leadership skills in the NCO Corps by formaliz-

ing the Audie Murphy and Sgt.

Morales Club competitions

throughout the Army; field a

new NCO promotion certifi-

cate that will be signed by the

secretary of the Army and the

chief of staff; establish a four-

day pass system that can be

used by commanders to rec-

ognize outstanding NCOs;

and establish an NCO ―Wall

of Fame‖ at the Pentagon to

identify soldiers who exem-

plify the competencies, dedi-

cation and commitment of the

Army sets goals for Year of the NCO

BY: Jim Tice

Army Times Staff Writer

Objectives recognize enlisted leaders’ contributions

Article Courtesy of the Army Times

For more information

about the Year of the

NCO go to:

http://www.army.mil/

yearofthenco/

home.html

And you can look for-

ward to other articles

about NCOs in future

issues of the Warrior

Spirit written by none

other than the Sun

Devil Battalion’s very

own NCOS.

NCO Corps. • Launch several “pride in

service‖ initiatives that

acknowledge the value of

the NCO Corps to the

Army and the nation. Included will be the sec-

ond publication of ―Long

Hard Road,‖ a book re-

counting the contributions

of NCOs to the wars in

Iraq and Afghanistan; main-

taining a Year of the NCO

Web site; authorizing the

wear of NCO rank insignia

on the beret; changing the

name of the Sergeants Ma-

jor Academy to better

reflect its focus on the

entire NCO Corps; pro-

ducing an ―Army Strong‖

television ad that focuses

on NCOs; and upgrading

the NCO Museum at Fort

Bliss, Texas. While work on the initia-

tives is underway, dates for

implementation have not

been announced

Volume 1I, Issue 1

No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer,

a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I

am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Back-

bone of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned

Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon

the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the

situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to

attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.

Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will al-

ways be uppermost in my mind -- accomplishment of my mission and

the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain tactically and techni-

cally proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer.

I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All soldiers are

entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I

know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I

will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them

uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both re-

wards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their du-

ties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect

and confidence as well as that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those

with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exer-

cise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I

will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not

forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are profession-

als, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!

The NCO Creed

Volume 1I, Issue 1

For all incoming and return-

ing Sun Devils, the fall 2009

semester is now well under-

way. With this new academic

year the Sun Devil Battalion

has a new senior cadet staff

and, with that, a new direction. The new attitude being

brought forth by the senior

staff is one that exemplifies

pride, accountability, and effi-

ciency. The new cadet battalion

commanding officer (BC) is

Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (C/

LTC) Lance Bailey. He is cur-

rently completing his Bachelors

degree in Political Science with

a minor in history. Cadet Bailey

participated in the Navy’s

JROTC program in high school

and the experience has served

him well. The formalities and

traditions learned from JROTC

have inspired Cadet Bailey to

improve the Sun Devil Battal-

ion’s current customs and

courtesies. The executive officer (XO),

C/Major John Larson, is on his

way to completing his degree

in Global Studies. He has 4

years of active duty service

with the 75th Ranger Regiment,

2nd Ranger Battalion, where he

achieved the rank of Corporal. The C/Command Sergeant

Major (C/CSM) Derrick

Owensby is not only busy

within the ROTC program but

also with his Business Manage-

ment coursework. He served 3

years active duty with the 25

Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade, 2

-27 Battalions and earned rank

of Sergeant.

The goal of ROTC is to de-

velop competent and responsi-

ble officers for the US Army,

Army reserves, and National

Guard. The battalion leader-

ship hopes to establish an

espirit d’ corps within the bat-

talion and encourage cadets to

excel during their training to

be future leaders of America. ―I would love to see the

junior leadership establish a

solid foundation here,‖ said

Cadet Bailey. The Cadet Battalion Com-

mander wants to ensure that

cadets’ training here at ASU is

a learning experience, where

they can take the experiences

and directly apply them to the

Leadership Development and

Accessions Course (LDAC) or

their future as 2LTs in the US

Army. ―My job is to coordinate the

vision and goal desired by the

BC,‖ said C/ Larson. It is C/MAJ Larson’s respon-

sibility, as second-in-command,

to manage and coordinate the

MSIV staff. With the large

number of senior cadets in the

program this year, C/ Larson

must ensure the staff is work-

ing toward the battalion com-

manders goals. ―We had a lack of example

last year, people need to be held accountable‖ said C/ Bai-

ley. ―Opportunities to develop

as leaders are profound with

the plethora of resources avail-

able. Peers are holding each

other accountable and it’s no

longer just the cadre. Chain of

Command is now being heavily

implemented and utilized.‖ Appropriate training is also

being emphasized as the com-

mand group strives to a

achieve a standard that will

prepare cadets for what will

be expected of them as an

Army officer. ―I enforce and maintain the standards of the Army regard-

ing uniform, Physical Training

(PT) and On Campus Labs

(OCL),‖ said C/CSM

Owensby When asked if there are any

problems that may hinder the

success of the battalion, it

came down to a ―Lack of

optimism‖ said C/ Bailey or

―Scholarly and civilian respon-

sibilities that conflict and take

precedence with cadets‖ said

C/ Larson. C/ Owensby attributed it

to, ―Improper or missing equipment, the lack of funding

that the active duty or even

National Guard receives,

coordination [that] is complex

with Papago Military Depot;

ROTC is last in line to receive

anything.‖ This year the staff has

grown, and C/ Larson pointed

the fact out, ―There are more

people to spread the work-

load,‖ he said. ‖The staff is and will con-

tinue to operate efficiently

and professionally,‖ said /

Owensby. This fall, under the new

MSIV leadership, the Sun

Devil Battalion is headed to-

wards a successful and fun

semester that will train its

cadets to learn what it means

to be a commissioned officer

in the US Army.

FEEL THE HEAT!

New Leadership Takes Charge

BY: CDT Sebastian Diaz

MS II

Coming Up This Month…

PMI 06OCT

BN Ruck March 09OCT

Land Nav Orientation 13OCT

BN Halloween Run 30OCT

And Remember… The BN FTX is from 6NOV-

8NOV, so plan accordingly!

Volume 1I, Issue 1

So Far This Semester...

Page Volume 1I, Issue 1

This semester our fundraising

officer, C/2LT Kukta is working

on getting our battalion events so

we can inject some funds back

into our account! We currently

have $987 at our disposal, leaving our battalion extremely short on

funds. Ask your chain of com-

mand, or check blackboard for

upcoming events. If you would

like to help out our Battalion with

a donation, please make checks

out to the ―ASU Army ROTC

Cadet Fund‖ and send them to:

Department of

Military Science,

Arizona State University

ATTN: Cynthia Mitchell

P.O. Box 874901

Tempe, AZ 85287-4901

Help Our

Battalion

Commander’s Corner

Top’s

Corner

As we start this new semester, I want to

welcome all the new cadets to the Sun Devil Battalion and welcome back all of you re-turning back to campus in new leadership

positions. Army ROTC is a challenging ―class‖, that demands a lot of your time. In order to assist all cadets, we have launched a mentorship program that we hope will

make the demands of college and cadet life

easier for you. For those cadets who find themselves

being mentored by fellow cadets, I encour-

age you to take advantage of the advice of your mentor. Hopefully, your assigned men-tor will have experienced some of the prob-

lems that you are faced with now. The advice that you are given ideally will prevent you from making some mistakes and will

help you in all areas of your college experi-

ence.

Contact for

Scholarship

Information:

MAJ Brian Witcher

Office Phone:

480-965-7648

[email protected]

Welcome back Sun Devils. Although we are well into the Fall Term, the battalion is off to a tremendous start.

This year we have seen a 30 percent increase in new ROTC cadets. This is due to a tradition of excellence,

espirit de corps, and a willingness to grow and learn as demonstrated by each cadet class. This success is further

demonstrated by the 11 LTC and 32 LDAC graduates who returned from a summer filled with quality military

training – well done. I arrived in early July and have been very pleased with the quality of our program and the commitment of cadre

and cadet leadership. I expect Army Values to be the cornerstone of how we do business, academic require-ments to be paramount, and physical fitness goals to be fueled by personal initiative and motivation. Everyone

must realize that this is a leadership development program designed around a four-year core curriculum. As

such, we should set expectations for each year group based on class level. Accepting new members into our

ranks requires that we implement procedures to receive, socialize, develop, and mentor each year group so that

they understand tasks, conditions, and standards. When done correctly, we continue to grow the program, im-

part standards of conduct, and curb expectations to avoid appearing arrogant. We have a great semester ahead of us. Two critical events include Ranger Challenge and the Battalion FTX.

The Sun Devil Battalion has been selected to host the Ranger Challenge competition on behalf of the 5th Brigade

for all Arizona schools. So far, we are expecting more than 90 cadets to arrive at ASU on 16 October. How-

ever, we ill conduct the majority of the events in Florence, AZ at the Florence Military Reservation. I’m sure we

will do well and hope both of our teams bring home a trophy for their respective category of the competition –

thanks for your support. We also look forward to the Desert Ranger and Battalion FTXs. It will be your first big opportunity to show-

case the skills learned during class and OCLs. WE will focus the BN FTX on three main events; day and night

land navigation, Field Leader’s Reaction, and obstacle courses. The FTX is designed to to enhance then test indi-

vidual skills. We will have fun and we will be safe – SAFE FUN. Sun Devils, let’s make this a great and safe year. Please remember to engage your mind and conscience as you

conduct a personal risk assessment before attempting acts which could injure you or someone else. Also, I will

never tolerate drug or alcohol issues nor let them violate the integrity of our program.

I’d have it no other way that being here in the Valley of the Sun and with the Sun Devil Battalion.

Smile and Hustle – “Feel the Heat!’

BY: LTC Roderick Hammond

Battalion PMS

For those cadets that are mentoring other

cadets, I challenge you to take this responsi-bility seriously. Your efforts in helping your fellow cadets, closely mirrors what you will be doing as a platoon leader in the Army. Counseling your underclassmen and looking out for their welfare are just a few things you will be expected to do as a

leader.

BY: MSG John Garrison

Battalion SMI

Arizona State University ROTC Warrior Spirit · Arizona State University ROTC ... LDAC is the Army...

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